Saitama Prefecture
Beppu is considered one of the hot spring capitals of Japan, with the entire town’s identity based on the numerous public baths, hot spring hotels and resorts, and the volcanic pools called the 7 Hells. If in Kyushu, staying at a hot spring in Beppu is a must.
| The Good | The Not-So Good |
| Close to Tokyo | Few attractions |
Why go to Saitama Prefecture
Saitama Prefecture is attached to the north of Toyko. However, as there are no distinct borders the only way to know you have transitioned is that the number of tall buildings decreased. It is not really famous for anything notable other than being a commuting base for families and a bit of a concrete jungle. This is a bit unfair as large sections of the prefecture of devoted to agriculture and the west of mountainous and sparsely populated, similar to Tokyo.
What to do in Saitama Prefecture
The major attractions in Saitama Prefecture are listed below. The Bonsai Museum is well worth a visit and can be reached by Shinkansen very easily. For railroad enthusiasts, the Railway Museum is also a must-see.
Railway Museum
For those interested in transportation and engineering, a visit to the nearby Railway Museum in Tokyo is a must-see. The museum offers a comprehensive look into the history of rail travel in Japan, featuring a diverse collection of train cars, locomotives, and rail equipment, many of which are on display…
Greater Tokyo Area
Most people start their Japan journey in Tokyo, which has a great number if places to visit and a unique atmosphere. To the north and south are two very different areas that are within easy access; Saitama and Kanagawa Prefectures.When JapanTweet The Greater Tokyo Area is usually called the Kanto…
Bonsai Village and Museum
Tokyo’s Bonsai Museum houses a collection of over 300 bonsai trees, some over 800 years old, showcasing the timelessness and elegance of this ancient Japanese art form. #Bonsai #JapaneseTradition #TimelessBeautyWhen JapanTweet Bonsai, a traditional Japanese art form, may not hold the same widespread appeal in Japan as it once did,…
How to get to Saitama Prefecture
There are numerous train lines into and through Saitama Prefecture. The major city of Omiya allows access to both the Bonsai Museum and Railway Museum so it probably the only place you will be going. Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station if you have a JR pass. There are numerous local lines however the most convenient are the Shonan-Shinjuku line and the Ueno-Tokyo line, which both stop at Omiya Station. Here is a map showing Omiya and all the possible train lines. Due to the number of lines it can be quite confusing especially at Shinjuku or Tokyo station.
Places nearby Saitama Prefecture
Oku-tama Lake
Oku-tama is technically in Tokyo however clearly this is not the Tokyo everyone knows about. A famous spot during the fall season, Oku-tama Lake is a great place to walk through nature just over 2 hours from the bustle of Shinjuku.When JapanTweet The GoodThe Not-So GoodGreat during the FallDifficult to…
Golden Gai
Golden Gai (street) is a famous drinking area of Shinjuku comprising is over 200 tiny bars seating no more than half a dozen patrons. The contrast to the build up Shinjuku main streets is striking. Many a long night of drinking and chatting can be had with the locals and…
Imperial Palace Grounds
If you come to Japan on specific days, entering the secret imperial gardens is a possibility. However, for most of the year a walk around the palace grounds East Gardens, with the remains of Edo Castle,will have to suffice.When JapanTweet Located in the center of Tokyo, devoid of any subway…
Sensouji Temple
Kamakura Big Buddha
Kamakura is a a small town to the south of Tokyo, about 1 hour train ride from Shinjuku station. It is mostly temples with the major attraction being the bronze Big Buddha statue, located in Kotoku-In Temple. If you love temples and can stand the crowds, then Kamakura is an…
Shinjuku Gyouen (Park)
Close to Shinjuku Station (and many others), Shinjuku Gyoen is a managed park popular in the Cherry Blossom and Fall Leaves seasons. ¥500 to enter and no alcohol allowed. When JapanTweet Shinjuku Gyoen is a great place to spend a few hours on a pleasant walk during a Spring or…
